Integrating Rough-and-Tumble Play in Martial Arts: A Practitioner’s Model

Abstract

This paper introduces a model that explains psychosocial development by embedding the developmental concept of rough-and-tumble play (RTP) into the contextual settings of martial arts (MA). Current sport-for-change literature relies on theories that address contextual factors surrounding sport but agrees that sport in itself does not facilitate developmental outcomes. In contemporary times where western societies invest substantial resources in sport programs for their psychosocial contribution, this becomes problematic. If the contextual factors surrounding sport are exclusively what produce developmental outcomes, what is the rationale for investing resources in sport specifically? We challenge this idea and argue that although contextual factors are important to any social phenomena, the developmental outcomes from sport can also be traced to the corporeal domain in sport. To date, we have lacked the theoretical lenses to articulate this. The developmental concept of RTP emphasizes how “play fighting” between consenting parties stimulates psychosocial growth through its demand for self-regulation and control when “play fighting” with peers. In short, RTP demands that individuals maintain a self-regulated mode of fighting and is contingent on a give-and-take relationship to maintain enjoyment. RTP can thus foster empathy and prosocial behavior and has strong social bonding implications. However, such play can also escalate. A fitting setting to be considered as moderated RTP is MA because of its resemblance to RTP, and its inherent philosophical features, which emphasizes self-regulation, empathy, and prosocial behavior. This paper outlines what constitutes high-quality RTP in a MA context and how this relates to developmental outcomes. By doing so, we present a practitioner’s framework in which practitioners, social workers, and physical educators can explain how MA, and not merely contextual factors, contributes toward developmental outcomes. In a time where sport is becoming increasingly politicized and used as a social intervention, it too becomes imperative to account for why sport, and in this case, MA, is suitable to such ends.

Parental Perceptions of Youths’ Desirable Characteristics in Relation to Type of Leisure: A Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis of Martial-Art-Practicing Youths

“…From a psychosocial perspective, this is consistent with the MA research that emphasizes self-control as a main feature of MA practice [70]. Through disciplined MA practice, individuals learn to control emotions, bodily sensations, and exert "controlled" aggression within a confined space [52,71]. Ultimately, it is expected that this will translate into life skills, as shown by the expectations of MA parents [54].…”

“…Moreover, several authors reported that parents view MA as a way for their children to learn self-defense and to develop important characteristics such as selfconfidence [50,51]. The latter is no surprise, seeing that MA represents an arena dedicated to traits such as discipline, self-control, and self-confidence [52].…”

Effects of extracurricular martial arts practice on the trait of anger among boys and girls aged 9-12 years old

“…The MA&CS are related more than any other practice to the concept Rough-and-Tumble Play (RTP) (Mickelsson, & Stylin, 2021). Mickelsson and Stylin (2021) establish that, in general, the literature agrees with the positive effects of the RTP and, in turn, of the MA&CS. All of the above, could show the MA&CS as an ideal practice on a physical, mental and spiritual level to reduce aggression and anger.…”

“…The RTP has been implemented in the school reducing physical and verbal aggression, hostility and anger (Carraro & Gobbi, 2018). The MA&CS are related more than any other practice to the concept Rough-and-Tumble Play (RTP) (Mickelsson, & Stylin, 2021). Mickelsson and Stylin (2021) establish that, in general, the literature agrees with the positive effects of the RTP and, in turn, of the MA&CS.…”